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Soybeans are a staple in Bengali kitchens. Especially on vegetarian days it will have its place next to the leaf. Many people like to make Soybean Kopta-kebabs instead of the usual potato soup. But the swab coming home, with which is being cooked, is it real or fake, have you ever thought?

All soy chunks in the market may not have the same quality. How to recognize a fake swab at home? Here are some simple ways (How to Easily Identify Pure Soya Chunks).

• High quality swabs are usually light cream or pale yellow. However, the color may vary slightly depending on the manufacturing method and brand. But be alert immediately if you see unusually bright, excessive color differences between each piece, or small black spots. If it is a packaged product, also check for extra powder.

• Check whether the packet is well sealed. And be sure to include the ingredients list, manufacturer's name, batch number and date information clearly.

• Dried soybeans usually have a mild grainy natural flavor. But if after opening the packet you smell a strong chemical smell, smell like rotten or stale oil or any other unusual smell, then it is better not to eat it.

• When in doubt, soak a few swabs in clean water. Generally good swabs absorb water and become somewhat larger and softer sponge-like in size. But if it remains unusually hard, slippery or melts/breaks easily after soaking for a long time, then it is something to worry about.

But don't believe everything you see on social media. Various 'viral' videos on social media show burning of cotton swabs, or use of chemicals to identify genuine ones. Know that only laboratory food analysis can be relied upon to know for sure whether a product is adulterated or not.

Buy intact and sealed packets of known and trusted brands to avoid doubt. If product appears abnormal, discard immediately. If necessary, report the complaint to the concerned seller, manufacturer or food-safety authority, but for this the packet, batch number and proof of purchase should be preserved. Remember, it is not possible to be 100% sure just by visual inspection or home test.